The Race is On

The 33rd edition of the America's Cup is finally on.

After more than two years of bitter courtroom battles between two of the world's richest men, the two-time defending champion Alinghi and American challenger BMW Oracle Racing of California will begin their best-of-three showdown.

They are to start racing off the coast of Valencia, Spain on Monday, weather-permitting.

BMW Oracle Racing, owned by software tycoon Larry Ellison, will sail the trimaran USA. The Swiss, headed by biotech mogul Ernesto Bertarelli, will counter with Alinghi 5, a catamaran. Both are 90 feet long and capable of sailing at three times the speed of the wind.

The fastest sailing boat ever conceived, ever constructed spent more than a year sailing in sea-trials off the coast of San Diego. Ellison finalized the crew in an announcment near the San Diego Convention Center in August.

In November, the team suffered a minor setback when the mast broke on the boat while it was sailing off the coast of Point Loma.

They'll compete for the oldest trophy in international sports, which boasts a 159-year history.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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